Robert "Bob" John Whitefleet
Robert (“Bob”) Whitefleet passed peacefully on Saturday surrounded by loved ones. Bob’s deep and true faith guided and supported both he and his wife of 52 years, Cornelia Snedeker Whitefleet, through both challenging and wonderful times. That guidance and support provided Corrie and Bob with strength during his final time on Earth. He stepped forward to accept Christ in 1957 while attending the Billy Graham Crusade in Madison Square Garden. He was baptized on August 20, 2006 at Franklin Height Church.As a man of faith, Bob loved his family and community. Bob and Corrie met in 1973 in New York City, and their love story is a tale of growth, challenges, respect, and of course, love. Bob was a successful leader at AT&T for over 30 years, and Bob and Corrie made a home in Mendham, New Jersey. The day came though that Bob and Corrie needed new pastures. They sold their herd of cows and flock of chickens and headed south. Their family thought they were crazy when they said they were moving to southwest Virginia, but time has shown their decision was exactly what they and the family needed. Bob and Corrie welcomed everyone to their home and always helped those in need.Since moving to Ferrum, Virginia, in 1998, Bob gave back to his community and grew as a man of faith. Bob became an EMT and served on the Ferrum Rescue Squad. Bob and Corrie enjoyed “retirement” and fulfilled Bob’s lifelong dream of being a farmer, i.e., owning two tractors and two horses. Through laughter and hard work, Bob thrived as a farmer, and his resourcefulness and quick wit helped him succeed. And if there is any tool you should ever need, Bob had it, maybe two. Bob was also an avid tennis player and his matches with Corrie’s father were epic and a testament to the camaraderie between them and the competitive spirit of both. His father-in-law, Pete, said, “At last, I have a son who will play tennis with me.”In 2009, Bob was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, and his strong faith, work ethic, and determination helped him survive a daunting diagnosis. Bob’s cancer treatment inspired him to continue to give back his time and faith to others. God inspired him to plant a vegetable garden that provided thousands of pounds of food to Stepping Stone Mission. He himself hated vegetables! He also joined the men’s choir at church and the Kairos Prison Ministry. He hoped to inspire the imprisoned men find peace and a closer relationship with God. He frequently prayed, “I am your servant. Tell me what to do, but speak up, I am hard of hearing.” And God answered.Bob will be remembered by those who loved him for his amazing bear hugs that made you feel safe and his rich, deep belly laugh that filled a room. We will miss his calm, steadying presence and will honor his memory through continued acts of service. Perhaps most importantly, we will toast him anytime we enjoy reading a good book, put extra butter on bread or pasta, or share a chocolate dessert with loved ones.Bob is predeceased by his parents, Bill and Irene Whitefleet and his only sibling, William Whitefleet and wife Carole, parents-in-law Pete and Maggie Snedeker, sister-in-law Margaret (Snedeker) King, brother-in-law John Palmer SnedekerBob is survived by his wife, Corrie and by daughter-of-the-heart, Chris Whitefleet. He is also survived by his sons, John and Mark, grandchildren Bill (Megan) Whitefleet and Matthew Whitefleet, his in-laws Paul and Virginia Snedeker, Peter and Christine Snedeker, Anne and Mike Guadalupe, Katherine Snedeker and Barsamian, and numerous nieces and nephews. If you would like to honor Bob and his memory, Corrie requests donations to the Ferrum Volunteer Fire Department.Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Franklin Heights Church (Rocky Mount Campus) followed by a reception from 12-1. Burial will be private in Callaway Community Cemetery.Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home & Crematory, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.
